MAN UP BIBLE SERIES Be All You Can Be Lesson One

The Real World If you are going to be good at something it will take discipline. That is true in any sport and it is true in the Christian life of every man who wants to really live for Christ. We say: NO PAIN, NO GAIN! The reality is that there is little Spiritual Sweat being applied to our Christian living. Anything for Jesus is more than a song. To be like Jesus is the hope that is to posses me yet it is more like an after thought just before our heads hit the pillow. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to throw off anything that will hinder or slow us down but our lives are more like running a marathon pulling a moving van of stuff that we really need then it is a race for our spiritual lives. What is holding you back or down from being all that God has called you to be. This lesson and series is on Discipline. Get ready..

The Real Word I Timothy 4 :7- 8, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. Hebrews 12 New International Version (NIV) 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. The Need for Self-Discipline I Cor. 9: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Real Talk Why is discipline tied to success? What is the result of a lack of discipline? What is holding you back from being all you can be?

Real Steps Lessons from the Scriptures: The Greek word “train” in I Timothy 4: 7 is “gumnos” – Where we get the word gymnasium. You can see what Paul is getting at? Training yourself for Godliness. Are you doing that? In Hebrews 12:1 we are told to strip ourselves of all things that hinder and slow up down. What are still holding onto? I Cor. 9 : 25 reminds us that we are to be in strict training in order to compete in this life. Are you really ready to be strict about what it takes to be a Christian in today’s world? What are you more interested in being successful at?

Time to Close So here we go.. This first lesson is an introduction to a series focused on Spiritual Discipline. Not always the most popular of subjects but something that real men need more than they realize. Look back over the great men of history and you will find fanatical men who were willing to do whatever it takes to be great. That is the kind of passion I am hoping will be opened in you as we spend time in the Word and looking at what it will take to be a great man of God! Are you willing to do this? Willing to take one of these challenges each week and apply them to your life? Willing to change the areas that will be brought to light? Willing to help those around you who will need your support? I know it will be tough.. NO GAIN WITHOUT PAIN! Time to MANUP!